Best Manual Pole Saw Buyer’s Guide and Reviews (Top Picks for 2018)

Cutting down or trimming branches that are in difficult to reach heights requires a high-quality, versatile, and sturdy tool. Selecting the right manual pole saw or pruner for this task is, however, a bit of hard nut to crack. There are hundreds of models on the market, each with its unique features, selling points, and specifications. So what do you need to do in order to get the best manual pole saw for your needs?

We made it our duty to help you and dozens of other buyers like you to find the ideal manual pole pruner that will bring value for the money. In this review and buyer’s guide, you will get a comprehensive review of manual pole saw and a buying guide to help you know what to look for and what to avoid.

Benefits of a Manual Pole Saw

You might be wondering why you should buy a manual pole saw instead of a power-driven one. Here are some clear reasons why you should choose this model as opposed to any other model for your garden needs.

Very Lightweight – Manual pole pruners are very light when it comes to weight as they only have a saw and a stick.

Very affordable – Manual pole saws are the most affordable models on the shelves. This is because they do not require any extra or complicated tools such as batteries or cords or gas cylinders as electric and gas pole saws require. Additionally, they do not have a chainsaw but just a simple traditional saw that reduces the operation cost.

The Length of Pole – Extension or length of a manual pole saw is a key feature here. They are the tallest and hence able to reach branches that are in high points. Some of these pole pruners can reach up to 20 ft.

Easy Maintenance – You do not need to cough out any future cash or effort to maintain these saws as they do not have chainsaw or batteries or gas cylinders as found in gar or electronic powered models. You only need to sharpen the blade and you will be ready to go.

Product Warranty – You might get a long-term warranty which proves that your pole pruner is quality if you buy from a reputable brand.

Health Benefits – A manual pole pruner is a superb choice for a person who does not have time to do regular workouts.

The Best Manual Pole Saw Buying Guide

Purchasing a manual pole pruner is the best way to keep your overhead yard tidy and neat. It also helps to keep the branches away from your fences, roof, and walls. But getting them isn’t easy; there are factors that you should consider before you settle for a specific brand.

1. Pole Length

There are a variety of ways to prolong a pole saw. Some brands shift outwards, others come with segments that need to be joined. These mechanisms shouldn’t really worry you, as long as the pole is of high-quality. What matters is how far or long the pole saw can extend.

Take a walk through your yard and think about your present and future pruning or cutting needs. The majority of manual pole saw can be shortened to about 4 ft. or even less, but of importance is to ensure that you get a model that can meet your extension needs.

2. Pole Material

When you are looking for a manual pole pruner, limit your search to models made from fiberglass or aluminum. There might be other high-quality materials that you can consider as well. It is critical that the material – no matter which one – is sturdy and light.

The pole saw is your only way of controlling and navigating the blade. If you have a wobbly pole pruner, you will only make hundreds of widespread cuts on the branch you intend to trim without actually trimming it. Again, if the pool saw is heavy, you are likely to get tired faster and lose your efficiency.

The best pole pruner should be constructed of high-quality material. Or do you want your pole saw to bend, break, or snap while you are in the middle of an important project? In addition, ensure that the connection between the pole and the blade and the connections between segments are sturdy and durable.

3. Blade

The pole pruner blade should be constructed from a high-quality material. One of the most common metals for manual pole saw blades are high-carbon SK5 steel. In case you come across a blade that is made from another material, do a thorough research to find out about its rust resistance ability and durability.

Most blades feature a coat that keeps the teeth open and clean for easy cutting. This coat also repels plant materials. They might also come with a hook at the end that you may use to pull plant ropes or branches out of the tree.

Some blades might also come with a scabbard at the rare to make sure that the blade remains on the branch. This prevents lots of frustration. The other critical thing that you should watch out for is the ability of the blade cut through thick branches.

Go through the blade features and specifications to find out what tools or features are fitted to the blade. Some blades come with a quick-release button while others don’t. If you are like me, watch out for these features.

Also, keep your personal needs as well as requirements at the back of your mind when reviewing the blade. Never assume that any blade will be sufficient.

4. Quality

Quality should be the number one factor that you should consider when buying a manual pole pruner. A pole that is pretty short, a blade that needs to be removed using tools, or a grip that isn’t comfortable will only add frustrations to your cutting or trimming task. Without quality, you are destined for a rough time.

Do not compromise on quality. In case you don’t have sufficient funds, go for a less versatile model or the one that uses an older technology. The easiest way to know how a tool will work is to go through online unbiased reviews.

Many individuals who have used a certain pole saw for a while are often willing to share their experience and provide you with an idea of what you should expect when it comes to performance and quality.

Top 6 Manual Pole Saw Reviews for 2018

1. Fiskars Extendable Pole Saw and Pruner

Simplify high and tough cuts with Fiskars Extendable Pole Saw and Pruner, which extends up to 12 ft. and features 2 different cutting choices. Its unique double locking mechanism makes sure that the pole remains extended for efficient control. This lightweight and easy to handle pole makes cutting lofty limbs a piece of cake.

The pole enables you to trim branches of one inch thick with its durable and sharp pruner that also feature a low-friction cover for smooth cuts, enhanced rust resistance, and reduced gumming.

Pros

2 different cutting choices.

Double locking mechanism.

Easy to handle and lightweight.

Con

Takes time to get used to.

2. Silky New Professional Series 179-39 Telescopic Landing Pole Saw

This is an extendable pole that is made of a lightweight and durable aluminum material. It is oval shaped to offer the required support in the direction of the saw’s blade. The total weight of this powerful landing pole saw is 6.9 lbs. and the best thing; you can remove the saw-head without using any tool.

Another great feature of this tool is that it comes with a warranty that is provided by the producers in case of issues in product materials and workmanship. The pole is made in Japan.

Pros

Oval shape gives it strength.

Very durable and

Very safe due to the positive locking system.

Con

Locking pins are small.

3. Fiskars 7-14 Foot Power-Lever Extendable Pole Saw and Pruner

This is the ideal tool for trimming large and small branches alike. Its two-in-one tree trimming mechanism comes with a power-lever tech that offers 2 times more pruning energy, plus a superb woodzig saw. Its oval shape is unique and minimizes flex when you extend it, and even allows you to control the direction of the cut better.

The pole saw and pruner also comes with a breakthrough blend of a flip lock and an internal spring buttonlock that ensures your pole extension remains extended.

Pros

Perfect for trimming small and large trees.

Power-lever technology.

Easy to control the direction of cut.

Con

Requires muscle work.

4. Finether Telescopic Pole Saw Long Reach Pole Pruner

With Finether Telescopic Pole Saw, no branch will be out of reach because it extends up to 13.12 feet to help you cut away leaves, twigs, and branches safely. You don’t need a ladder to reach those high hedges and thorny bushes.

The other notable feature of this tool is the 2 cutting options of the scissor-action that trims branches of about ten mm in diameter and the detachable saw blade for cutting thicker branches. The bypass and cut pruner enable you to hold the cut in the direction you want, making your harvesting or pruning easy.

Pros

Easy to use.

Safe to use due to safety lock feature.

Lightweight tool.

Con

A bit expensive.

5. Jameson LS-6PKG-6 LS-Series Landscaper Pole and Saw

Jameson’s package comes with tools that you require to trim all your trees. Pole ferrules facilitate any combination of poles with this tool to attain different lengths, according to your job. This product comes with a tri-cut edge that offers you a cleaner and more efficient cut.

The best thing, the saw head is permanently installed on 6 feet pole. The package also includes a 6 feet extension pole, a 6 feet extension pole with a saw head, and 6 feet base pole.

With this unit, you will be able to reach and trim branches that only a trimming company can do. This pole also functions as an extension pole – you can use it to paint your house, change light bulbs, and wash windows. This product is similar to commercial units but has an exception since it has a hook.

The pole comes with a fiberglass handle, 2 aluminum extension tubes as well as a quick, durable locking system.

Pros

No assembly required.

Made in the USA.

Commercial grade pole.

Con

Very expensive.

Bonus product:

This is a great product that comes with a metal case that ensures it lasts long. It cuts via tree limbs with ease and is perfect for limb-lopping as well as general cleanup of your yard. With this pole, you will reach high branches with ease.

The best thing, this product is pretty affordable and last for years.

Pros

Very affordable.

Very efficient.

Suitable for reaching high branches.

Con

A bit

Our Pick for the Best Manual Pole Saw

Our top pick for the best manual model is the Fiskars Extendable Pole Saw and Pruner. The pole extends up to 12 ft. and features 2 different cutting choices. Its unique double locking mechanism makes sure that the pole remains extended for efficient control. This lightweight and easy to handle pole makes cutting lofty limbs a piece of cake.

Maintenance Tips for Manual Pole Saws

You should ensure that you maintain your manual pole pruner in order to keep it in good working condition and prolong its useful life. Some models come with maintenance schedules; however, the majority of these tools require almost a similar upkeep process which we have discussed here.

Before Every Use:

Ensure that all bolts, nuts, and screws are tight.

Ensure that the trigger and the lock operate normally before you start to use your saw.

Inspect the chain and ensure that it’s free of breaks.

After Each Use:

Perform a thorough cleaning on the outer part of your tool (a damp rag will be fine).

Clean under the protective cover.

Return your tool to the storage bag.

After Every Few Jobs:

Inspect all connections and cables.

Cautions About Manual Pole Saw Use

Once you start to think about cutting or trimming branches in areas you cannot reach while on the ground, you are getting into a dangerous project.

When experts drop pieces of woods, they usually use ropes in pulley systems to safely slow the descent to the surface. When you trim branches with a manual pole saw, you cannot use a pulley system; you cannot control the fall of the branch. Heavy or high branches can hurt, damage, or even kill when they descend.

So, follow the following cautions:

Manual pole pruners should be used to cut branches that are a few feet above the ground. The thicker the branch, the more deadly it is, and the more tiring and slower it will be to trim.

You should never attempt to cut branches overhead until you understand all the techniques of reducing weight before engaging in the cut by making the jump and preliminary cut with your manual pole saw.

Manual pole pruners, especially the one that extends above 8 ft., are tiring to work with and often heavy.

Never work near power lines or cut branches above power lines.

It is fine not to do any cutting that you cannot reach while standing on the ground.

If you are a first-time user of a pole saw, ensure that you read the manual, instructions, and cautions that come in the package.

FAQs About Manual Pole Saw

Q: My manual pole saw won’t cut straight. It pulls sideways while trimming branches. What could be the problem and how can I resolve it?

A: This often occurs when the chain becomes damaged or dull. Your owner’s manual has a comprehensive topic on how to sharpen your saw properly. If the saw is extremely dull, you might need to consult a professional service provider to sharpen it for you or even replace it.

I need a manual pole saw. Where can I get one at an affordable price?

A: You can find these tools at your local store or online. They often cost the same but there are both pros and cons of buying from either of the two places. With that said, we would recommend you to get your pole saw from your local store (it is easier to return in case of anything).

In Conclusion

It has been an eye-opening experience. As you have seen, the best manual pole saw is not the most expensive one. In fact, these products are very affordable when you compare them to gas or electricity driven-ones. If you haven’t still found the best pole pruner for your need, we recommend you to go through this article again. We are sure that you will get a model that will give you value for your money.

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